“I was humiliated, my image was tarnished despite playing AFCON injured” – Aubameyang on international retirement

Former Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed that the humiliation he experienced during his final period with the national team played a major role in his decision to retire from international football.

The 37-year-old striker, who is Gabon’s all-time leading scorer, brought an end to his international career following a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.

Aubameyang admitted that the events surrounding Gabon’s national team left him deeply frustrated and affected his image despite his commitment to the country.

The former captain had also been involved in a difficult period for Gabonese football, with the government suspending the national team following the disappointing AFCON campaign. Coach Thierry Mouyouma was subsequently dismissed, while Aubameyang was also banned by the authorities.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Aubameyang maintained that he gave everything for his country, including playing at the AFCON while carrying an injury.

“They humiliated me and tarnished my image when I had played at AFCON while injured,” Aubameyang said. “It was the last straw and I’d rather leave it here.”

Aubameyang has been one of the most important players in Gabonese football history. He has carried the attacking responsibility for the Panthers for more than a decade and became the country’s record goalscorer, while also serving as captain for several years.

His decision represents a major loss for Gabon, particularly given his experience and influence on the international stage.

The striker’s international career has included appearances at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, where he has been one of Gabon’s most recognisable figures.

Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his final international campaign, Aubameyang leaves the national team having established himself as one of the greatest footballers the country has produced.

At club level, the striker continues his career with Deportivo, where he will now focus entirely on his club commitments following his decision to retire from international football.

For Gabon, the challenge will be to move forward without a player who has been central to the Panthers’ attack and identity for many years.

Aubameyang’s retirement also brings an emotional end to a chapter that began with him representing Gabon as a young forward and eventually saw him become the country’s leading scorer and one of its most prominent sporting figures.

The 37-year-old attacker made 83 appearances for the Panthers of Gabon since his debut in 2009, scoring 40 goals across the period.